Chris Stapleton and Rhett lead the nominees — Stapleton has eight nominations, while Rhett garnered six nods. Ahead of the show, Stapleton finds his first nomination for Entertainer of the Year and is also nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year, and twice, as both artist and producer, in both the Album of the Year and Single Record of the Year categories. Rhett is nominated for the second time as Male Vocalist of the Year. Rhett is also nominated twice, as an artist and producer, for both Album of the Year for Life Changes and Vocal Event of the Year for “Craving You” (featuring Maren Morris). He is nominated for his first Music Video of the Year award for “Marry Me."

Reba McEntire returns as host for the first time since she co-hosted the ceremony with Blake Shelton in 2012. The 53rd ACM Awards will broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 15 at 8PM ET on CBS.